To regain widespread support for the animal rights movement by rethinking its approach.

2005.08.28

This article, written by a conservative animal rights activist (two labels that are not always mutually exclusive), highlights a simple but powerful truth: Laws exist to prevent cruelty to animals -- and, as a whole, society believes that animal abuse is a form of evil. Why, then, do people turn their backs on cruelty towards livestock and animals used for fur? Why is"cruelty to a puppy appalling and cruelty to livestock by the billions a matter of social indifference?"

Scientists believe pigs are probably more intelligent than dogs, and certainly have as much capacity for pain and pleasure. But I suppose the answer is obvious...we have accepted dogs into the human "club" and pigs are still on the outside. We know how to speak "dog-ese," to read their gestures, sounds, and body language. But, as a race, we are not as familiar with other animals -- to us, pigs are amusing machines, quirky robots or cartoon characters that are seen but do not see.

In all, I think that Scully's low-key style may be what the animal rights movement needs right now. Appeals to our sense of logic and justice, in a direct, non-confrontational manner. moderate reform, humane farming...when these ideas have gained acceptance -- THEN we can look into eradicating fur and meat.

2005.08.27

If you place “animal rights” into a blog search engine, you
will find as just as much ridicule for the cause as activism.

Why this recent disdain?

Of course the extreme tactics of some animal rights’ activists don’t help.

Or maybe it's the fear of disrupting our economy (a lot of which is fueled by industries that hurt animals).

It could be that people just don’t connect emotionally to animals

Leave it to me to plumb the unconscious, but I think
something more insidious is going on.

For the sake of argument, let’s just say it all started
after (the) September 11th.

Americans felt strangely weak and vulnerable, and naturally
looked for ways to assert their power and rights. The easiest targets – animals.

This may sound like a stretch, but think of it this way:
When the authority of a person in power is undermined, he will rule in a
particularly harsh manner. For example, the older brother, just punished by his
parents, in turn torments his little sister.

But how were we to reaffirm our power after 9/11 exposed our
vulnerability?

Well, the American
system has overcome racism and sexism (for the most part), so that’s out of the
question. And now even children have rights. These days, the only borderline
subjects are animals. They easily fall victim to national moods, becoming the
objects of exploitation and violence when we do not feel secure in our positions.

This collective renewal of animal exploitation is not
conscious… but neither is the motivation for buying fur, exclaiming pride at
eating veal, and making fun of people who think other creatures are important
too. Since our instincts and laws do not force us to protect animals, we can
assert our might over the natural world by churning its creatures through our
ruthless industrial machine.

This may explain why some people argue for a “right” to wear
fur. What does this stylistic choice reveal? Well, fur costs a lot of money,
and money is power. But the decision to wear fur expresses something further.
The garment says (of the wearer): “I have the power to put a being to death so
that I may enjoy one of its byproducts.” This is the declaration of absolute
power – killing for luxury, not necessity, and not having to answer for this
act. For evidence, just research the most brutal of dictatorial regimes.

When someone claims that he has the right to use animals
according to his whim, he reveals the following unconscious beliefs:

That he is still, without realizing it, a vestige of the “Copernican” model of the universe. That is, that the sun revolves around the earth -- that humans are the center of the universe – and thus, the universe (and its inhabitants) exists in order to be used by us.

That he feels insecure, vulnerable, or weak – and therefore asserts power wherever he can.

How can we protect animals from human whims produced by
societal and economic flux? How can we take this issue beyond what is “trendy,”
convenient, or fits the current mood?

Legislative changes are needed to protect the vulnerable from the whims of the powerful…historically
exploited races, children, the disabled, the mentally ill all have rights…why not add animals
to that list?

When vegetarians inevitably point and yell: "Hypocrite!" you have yet to think of a fitting response. They ask, "How can you claim to care about the welfare of animals in one breathe, and munch on one of their ribs in the next?" Now you have an answer to this age-old riddle . (Although I can't guarantee that it will placate the most fervent animal rights activists -- however, they may stop waving their burning torches).

that livestock have access to clean and sufficient food and water; that their environment is not dangerous to their health; that they have sufficient protection from weather elements; that they have sufficient space allowance in order for them to move naturally; and other features to ensure the safety, health and comfort of the animal. In addition, the standards require that managers and caretakers be thoroughly trained, skilled and competent in animal husbandry and welfare, and have good working knowledge of their system and the livestock in their care.

In case you're thinking (like I was), "Well, that's all very well and fine, but how do I know that their definition of 'sufficient space' matches my own? How do I know this isn't just another gimmick designed by the meat industry to boost profits?" this may help put your mind at ease:

Developed with the welfare of the individual animal in mind, Certified Humane standards ensure that the animal is treated humanely and in accordance with the highest farm animal welfare standards available today, as the animal is raised, transported and processed.

A consortium of animal welfare organizations, as well as individuals and foundations, fund Humane Farm Animal Care. Some of these organizations include the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA), the Humane Society of Vero Beach, the Hawaiian Humane Society, The Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (spcaLA), and others.

Wondering where you can find products with the Certified Humane label? Check out the store locator to search by country, city and state.

Wish that your favorite grocery store carried products with this label? Check out their action center for form letters and suggestions for speaking to your local store.

2005.08.19

A stylish man who loves animals as much as I do? No picture posted though...which could be a bad sign.

The following article recounts his harrowing tale of fashion after veganism. He quickly slurps in his drool as he steps into the men's shoe department, trying to repress his urge to pounce on all the scrumptious new leather shoes this fall.

Must he compromise? What are the options for a stylish guy who wants to reform his lifestyle?

2005.08.17

I was searching through the bloomingdales catalogue (which includes obscene amounts of fur), but came across these cute rubber (leather-free) shoes -- they come in many different colors.
You can purchase them directly from the designers Sigerson Morrison. They also have really sleek, non-clunky rain-boots in the same style. (I prefer to avoid buying from bloomies to punish them for all the yucky fur -- not even tastefully done, if that's possible).

2005.08.15

Among other interesting facts in this article, apparently fur farming is illegal in England. However, this means that British designers import their fur from places that do not regulate the treatment of animals on their farms.

I read somewhere else that it is illegal in England to test cosmetics products on animals.

Can you see the United States passing this type of reform? Why or why not? I'd be really interested in your ideas and opinions.

Here are some ideas for creating bags, belts, shoes, or coats without accidentally telling the meat industry that you want more dead cows.

Idea#1: Recycled/Vintage leather: This may not be for everyone. Although you are not directly creating demand or helping out the meat industry, if your design is too cool, you may encourage others to do go out and buy new leather. At the same time, you are putting the material to use, and therefore making the animal's death worth a bit more. (You know, the whole "use every part, make it last" thing).

Also, how cool is vintage leather? You can either root through your closet, find that horrible leather jacket you never wear, cut it up, and have a fabulous bag.

Or, you could even shop the aisles of your local thrift shops and find some super-soft leather made into a horrendous design.

TIP: Why don't you make some earrings out of vintage leather strips mixed with metal necklace chains?

Idea #2: Use your boycott of leather as a chance to be creative. What is a cool material that no one has made a bag out of yet? Leather bags are nice, but, honestly, they are a bit played out.

I've heard the argument a million times eavesdropping in the dressing room:

The benevolent hypocrite: Ohmigod Mandy, how can you even think about buying that rabbit fur scarf??
The skeptic friend: I don't see what the big deal is -- I mean, you wear leather after all. What's the difference? The benevolent hypocrite: (stammers) well..umm...yeah, but leather is, like, just what they take from cows after they already killed them for their meat -- you know, a by-product. So it's ok....right?

Although not shockingly articulate, these girls bring up an interesting point. I know many vegetarians who wear leather...and, dammit, it can be really cute as a trim on many types of clothing. AND I just came across the coolest pair of earrings made from leather strips.
BUT, if you are trying not to contribute to industries that hurt animals, must you avoid leather? If it's just a by-product of the meat industry, does that mean we are not adding to the demand for more dead cows?
Well, here's what these guyshave to say:

"Today's meat industry is not sustainable on its own, and it relies on skin sales to remain profitable. The skin of a slaughtered animal accounts for 55 percent of the value of the products of that animal other than meat. Leather isn't a harmless slaughterhouse byproduct. The meat industry relies on skin sales to stay in business."

"Leather is more than just a byproduct of the meat industry; it's a manufactured good essential to the meat trade, so buying leather directly supports the meat industry. The animals on the leather industry hit list include cow, deer, sheep, snake, alligator, crocodile, ostrich, lizard, kangaroo, and toad. The more desirable soft and supple leathers come from baby animals-calves, lambs and even unborn calves."

After doing some more research from less biased sources, I found that leather does, in fact, contribute to at least 50% of the meat industry's profits. I hate to break the hearts of all you leather-donning vegetarians, but wearing leather is the equivalent to eating beef (economically speaking, that is).
This news was quite a blow for me, as I have done extensive searches for vegetarian shoes and have found little that could be described as "fashion-forward" (or even fashion-neutral, really...)

If you're a dancer, or just into rocking ballet slippers on the street,Capeziohas some cute canvas options.

Chinese Laundry has a pretty wide selection of shoes made from altnernative materials like wood, satin, and tweed. They're pretty cute, but could stand to be a bit more of-the-moment. Here are some options I like:

If you're looking on the higher-end side of things, check out Kate Spade . (Or Jack Spade for the guys) There are really nice satin shoes, and you can search for bags according to material. Here are some HOT satin shoes by Kate Spade:

Oh, and Stella McCartneynever uses animal products in any of her clothing, including her shoes.

There's got to be more out there, and I'm on the prowl for new hot designers making shoes out of alternative materials. I see it as a challenge to be more creative-- leather is the most obvious material when making shoes, but for the same reason, it's kind of a cop-out. Maybe this will encourage designers to revolutionize shoe-fashion. If you know of any designers like this, please tell us about it in the comment section.

Stay tuned for the next blog: for all you DIY designers, tips and ideas for creating animal-friendly clothing both without and WITH leather.

I love animals. I mean, really really love them. To illustrate, I can't visit www.peta.org anymore because the bastards make me cry every time.

But, it's easy to distance this love -- which is immediate, visceral, and directed to the animals in my everyday life -- from the things I eat, buy, and wear. Animal products are neatly packaged and given euphemistic names like "leather" (instead of cow-skin) and veal (instead of -- what was the South Park name? -- "tortured baby cows").

So I go about my life, drinking milk, eating eggs, even wearing leather and make-up that was tested on animals, and god knows what else. My animal-love and fashion-love revolve in separate mental orbits, and when I'm shopping, the adorable leather bag is on my mind, not the baby moo-cow crying for its mommy who just boarded the bus with a one-way ticket.

So what's a girl accustomed to a certain lifestyle (and not a fan of hemp, pleather, soy-products, or botanical make-up) to do?

Some will surely suggest: "How about you just stop being such a superficial bitch?"

Ok, ok, point taken.

But will me becoming a minimalist really address the problem? I don't think people will stop wanting to be beautiful, fashionable, and have fun gadgets for quite awhile...But is there something special about these products that makes it necessary for animals to suffer when they're being made?Well....No. So why isn't there a place for people like me to shop, eat, or hang out? Well....for some unknown reason, animal-friendly became associated with "earthy minimalist." Vendors seem to assume that people who love animals want to be healthy, all-natural, and unconcerned with superficial things like style.

My solution: Let's dispel the myth that animal-lovers want to give up the things of this world. Give us an easy way to shop, eat, and live without giving up our style or feeling like hypocrites.